New Delhi: As wait for the announcement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention rules near its end, the biggest talking point ahead of the next season is the future of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. With the BCCI expected to allow the franchises to retain five players, Chennai Super Kings is facing a huge dilemma over the future of their adopted son MSD. Dhoni’s legacy in CSK is unlike any other seen or heard in the history of cricket, which makes the franchise’s decision all the more difficult.
While it is certain that Dhoni will be retained if he tells the Super Kings of his intentions of playing, so far there has been no such communication between the player and the franchise.
In simple words, Dhoni’s IPL future lies in his own hands.
Dhono arrived in his hometown on Wednesday after spending time on vacation in the USA with a few close friends. He has previously stated that he will take a call on his future after the IPL retention rules are announced.
“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalized, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni had said during an event in Hyderabad earlier this year.
Should Dhoni continue playing in the IPL?
Dhoni’s contribution to CSK and IPL is immense while his legacy is unmatched. But that doesn’t change the fact that he is now a 43-year-old half-fit cricketer prone to injuries. He himself has realised his limitations and that’s exactly what prompted him to relinquish the captaincy duties ahead of IPL 2024.
Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020 but still plays in the IPL. Since the last few seasons, he has been constantly struggling with injuries, including a knee issue during the IPL 2023 season which required surgery shortly after CSK won the IPL title that year.
Under the leadership of the new skipper, Dhoni featured as a watered-down version of his old self, limiting himself to playing down the order when the number of deliveries is relatively less to face. Dhoni, however, still played several impactful innings last season with blazing fiery cameos treating the fans who waited almost a year to watch him play.
(Photo: Getty Images)
It remains to be seen whether Dhoni, after staying out of action for the whole year, can even manage to play the fiery short-stay-at-the-crease cameos. With another year away from cricket, won’t Dhoni be even more limited by his limitations? Should the ‘Thala’ of Chennai make it easier for the Super Kings to opt out of the retention players list and give the spot to another member of the team who has the potential to be a future superstar of CSK?
If Dhoni conveys his intention to play another season, the question then also arises can CSK put emotions aside and take a tough practical call taking all the team dynamics into account?
Since no one can take a Dhoni out of CSK and CSK out of Dhoni, even if he is not in the playing XI, the iconic cricketer will always be a guiding force for the Men in Yellow.
MS Dhoni’s IPL future: Dhoni is likely to be retained if he tells the Chennai Super Kings of his intentions of playing but so far there has been no such communication between the player and the franchise. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
